Method, Apparatus and System for Incorporating Voice or Video Communication Into a Television or Compatible Audio Capable Visual Display

ABSTRACT

Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/042,384, filed on Apr. 4, 2008, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a method, apparatus and system forincorporating a time division multiplexed (“TDM”), broadband, orwireless voice and/or video communication into a television orcompatible audio enabled visual display device. This communication canbe delivered in an analog or digital format, and may or may not includean accompanying video communications stream or other attachment.

2. Discussion of the Background Art

Voice calls, whether TDM or broadband have long been terminatedutilizing a “set”. TDM sets terminate calls by utilizing the circuitcreated when the receiver is taken off-hook. Likewise, broadband callsare normally delivered to a device that is either hand held ordesk/table top bound or even computer based which terminate packetsconverting them to audio. Each of these methods provides wirelesshandset capabilities so that the communication can span some distancewithout physical connection. Other known devices, such as My One Remote,have attempted to provide “TV Viewing” and voice mail receptionrelationships. However, such devices have limited functionality and havenot provided incorporation of the service into one functional process.Further attempts to incorporate voice calls into a TV viewing experiencecan be seen with caller ID on the 1V (a service of DISH Network, DirecTVand others). Additionally, other companies have introduced universalremote control devices that allow users to perform activities on a menuwithout toggling the status of a single item. While all of theseproducts and services are popular and effective, a need remains for acost-effective product that provides the user the capability to answerand initiate calls through a television set with greater functionalityand flexibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes disadvantages of the prior art byenabling a communication recipient to handle a voice and/or videocommunication utilizing a pre-existing television set or monitor withaudio capabilities and an unprecedented degree of functionality andflexibility.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a system forincorporating voice or video communication into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display includes a television tunerconfigured to receive a television signal containing audio and videodata from a remote source and to transmit a first digital video signalcorresponding to the video data and a first audio signal correspondingto the audio data; a communication interface apparatus; a digitaldisplay configured to receive a second video signal from thecommunication interface apparatus and to display visual images based onthe second video signal; an audio system configured to receive a secondaudio signal from the communication interface apparatus and to generateaudible sounds based on the audio signal; a remote control unit; and amicrophone coupled with one of the communication interface apparatus andthe remote control unit and configured to generate a third audio signalin response to audible sounds, wherein the communication interfaceapparatus is configured to receive the third audio signal from themicrophone and to transmit the third audio signal over the communicationnetwork. In an embodiment, the communication interface apparatusincludes one or more television inputs for receiving the first audio andvideo signals from the television tuner; one or more communicationinputs for receiving from a communication network a voice communicationsignal containing audio data or a video communication signal containingboth audio and visual data; one or more outputs for transmitting asecond digital video signal and a second audio signal from thecommunication interface apparatus; a call detection device connected tothe one or more communication inputs and configured to detect a voice orvideo communication signal and associated data and to generate anotification signal when a communication signal is detected; a digitalmemory device for storing at least a riser-defined contact list, a speeddial list and a call log based on the associated data; a first wirelesscommunication device configured to receive wireless command signals froma user; and a controller coupled with the one or more television inputs,the one or more communication inputs, the one or more outputs, the calldetection device, the memory device and the wireless communicationdevice. In an embodiment, the digital memory device stores at least oneset of instructions executable by the controller to check for callnotification and command signals; if there is a call notificationsignal, combine data associated with the voice or video communicationsignal with at least one of the first audio and video signals to produceat least one combined signal superimposing the associated data over thevideo signal and transmit the at least one combined signal to the one ormore outputs; if a command is received to answer the call while the atleast one combined signal is transmitted, substitute the voice or videocommunication signal for at least one of the first audio and videosignals and transmit the substituted signal to the one or more outputs;if a command is received to terminate the call, or if there is nonotification signal, transmit the first audio and video signals from thetelevision tuner to the one or more outputs.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a communicationinterface apparatus includes one or more television inputs for receivingthe first audio and video signals from the television tuner; one or morecommunication inputs for receiving from a communication network a voicecommunication signal containing audio data or a video communicationsignal containing both audio and visual data; one or more outputs fortransmitting a second digital video signal and a second audio signalfrom the communication interface apparatus; a call detection deviceconnected to the one or more communication inputs and configured todetect a voice or video communication signal and associated data and togenerate a notification signal when a communication signal is detected;a digital memory device for storing at least a user-defined contactlist, a speed dial list and a call log based on the associated data; afirst wireless communication device configured to receive wirelesscommand signals from a user; and a controller coupled with the one ormore television inputs, the one or more communication inputs, the one ormore outputs, the call detection device, the memory device and thewireless communication device. In an embodiment, the digital memorydevice stores at least one set of instructions executable by thecontroller to check for call notification and command signals; if thereis a call notification signal, combine data associated with the voice orvideo communication signal with at least one of the first audio andvideo signals to produce at least one combined signal superimposing theassociated data over the video signal and transmit the at least onecombined signal to the one or more outputs; if a command is received toanswer the call while the at least one combined signal is transmitted,substitute the voice or video communication signal for at least one ofthe first audio and video signals and transmit the substituted signal tothe one or more outputs; if a command is received to terminate the call,or if there is no notification signal, transmit the first audio andvideo signals from the television tuner to the one or more outputs.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, a method ofincorporating voice or video communication into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display includes the steps of receivingat a communications interface apparatus a television broadcast from atuner containing first audio and video signals; receiving at thecommunications interface apparatus a voice communication signal from acommunications network containing audio data or a video communicationsignal containing both audio and video data; transmitting a seconddigital video signal and a second audio signal from the communicationinterface apparatus; detecting at the communications interface apparatusa voice or video communication signal and associated data and generatinga notification signal when a communication signal is detected; storingat the communications interface apparatus at least a user-definedcontact list, a speed dial list and a call log based on the associateddata; receiving at the communications interface apparatus wirelesscommand signals from a wireless remote; and using a controller in thecommunications interface apparatus to check for notification and commandsignals; if there is a notification signal, combine data associated withthe voice or video communication signal with at least one of the firstaudio and video signals to produce at least one combined signal with acall notification feature and transmit the at least one combined signalto the one or more outputs; if a command is received to answer the callwhile the at least one combined signal is transmitted, substitute thevoice or video communication signal for at least one of the first audioand video signals and transmit the substituted signal to the one or moreoutputs; and if a command is received to terminate the call, or if thereis no notification signal, transmit the first audio and video signalsfrom the television tuner to the one or more Outputs.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those of skill in the art upon review of the attached drawing figuresand the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication interface apparatus forincorporating voice or video communication into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a communication interface apparatus forincorporating voice or video communication into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for incorporating voice orvideo communication into a television or compatible audio capable visualdisplay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for incorporating voice orvideo communication into a television or compatible audio capable visualdisplay according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for incorporating voice or video communicationinto a television or compatible audio capable visual display accordingto the present invention. The system 100 includes a television tuner102, a visual display 104 with an audio system including a pair ofspeakers 106, a communication interface apparatus 108, and a wirelessremote 110. The communication interface apparatus 108 is interposedbetween the tuner 102 and the visual display 104 and is connected to atelephone line or computer network via a jack 112 to receive timedivision multiplexed (“TDM”), broadband, or wireless voice and/or videocommunications. In an embodiment, the apparatus 108 is also incommunication with an external source via the Internet 114.

The television tuner 102 is configured to receive a television signalcontaining audio and video data from a remote source (e.g., a cable orsatellite television provider) and to transmit audio and video signalscompatible with the visual display 104. In an embodiment, the tuner 102transmits a first digital video signal corresponding to the video dataand a first audio signal corresponding to the audio data. In a preferredembodiment, the tuner incorporates a digital video recorder that allowsusers to pause and record television broadcasts. The television tuner102 can be connected to the communication interface apparatus 108 can beconnected using commercially available connectors and cables, includingbut not limited to HDMI, component, composite and S-video connectors andcables.

The visual display 104 is configured to display video signals receivedfrom a television tuner. The display 104 can be any type of conventionaldisplay, including but not limited to an LCD, plasma or projectiondisplay. In accordance with the present invention, the display 104receives audio and video signals via the communication interfaceapparatus 108 and generates a video display and audible sounds based onthe audio and video signals. The apparatus 108 and display 104 can beconnected using commercially available connectors and cables, includingbut not limited to HDMI, component, RCA and S-video connectors andcables.

The audio system 106 is configured to receive a second audio signal fromthe communication interface apparatus 108 and to generate audible soundsbased on the audio signal. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the audiosystem 106 is integrated into the display 104 and includes a pair ofspeakers. The integrated audio system 106 is connected to thecommunication interface apparatus 108 via the display 104 using any ofthe commercially available audio connectors described above.Alternatively, a separate audio system 106, such as a home theatresystem, can be connected directly to the communication interfaceapparatus 108.

Together, the television tuner, visual display and audio system form aconventional television for viewing television broadcasts. Thetelevision may be provided as an integral unit or as separate componentsthat are connected together in the manner shown.

The wireless remote control unit 110 preferably includes a remotecontrol housing adapted for handheld operation and a keypad. A wirelesscommunication device is contained in the remote control housing and isconfigured to transmit wireless signals to a wireless communicationdevice in the communication interface apparatus 108. As explained ingreater detail below, the wireless signals transmitted by the remotepreferably include commands for remotely controlling the communicationinterface apparatus to handle incoming and outgoing calls and toconfigure the apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows details of a communication interface apparatus 108according to an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 108 includestelevision inputs 116 a & b for receiving audio and video signals from asatellite or cable box (i.e., tuner). Although only two inputs areshown, it will be appreciated that fewer or more inputs can be provided,depending upon the type of connections most commonly used. For example,the video signal can be conveyed by a single S-video connector, multiplecomponent connectors, or integrated with the audio signal using an HDMIconnector 116 c. Similarly, the audio signal can be conveyed using astereo phono jack, a pair of RCA jacks, or integrated with the videosignal using an HDMI connector. The apparatus 108 also includes two-waycommunication ports 118 a & b for transmitting and receiving over acommunication network a voice communication signal containing audio dataor a video communication signal containing both audio and visual data.The first communication port 118 a is preferably a standard telephonejack, and the second communication port 118 b is preferably an Ethernetjack or the like. A pair of output jacks 120 a & b are provided fortransmitting a second digital video signal and a second audio signalfrom the communication interface apparatus to the display unit 104.Although only two outputs are shown, it will be appreciated that feweror more outputs can be provided, depending upon the type of connectionsdesired. For example, the video signal can be conveyed by a singleS-video connector, multiple component connectors, or integrated with theaudio signal using an HDMI connector. Similarly, the audio signal can beconveyed using a stereo phono jack, a pair of RCA jacks, or integratedwith the video signal using an HDMI connector.

The communication interface apparatus 108 includes a call detection andmanagement device 122 connected to the communication ports 118 a & b andconfigured to detect a voice or video communication signal andassociated data and to generate a notification signal when acommunication signal is detected. The call detection device 122 includesanalog and digital modules 124 a & b for detecting an analog call viacommunication port 118 a or a digital call via communication port 118 b.One or more switches 126 in the communication interface apparatus 108manage audio, video and data streams from the communication ports. Alsoshown is a call initiation module 128 for initiating outgoingcommunications via the communication ports.

Audio and video circuits 130 and 132 disposed within the communicationinterface apparatus 108 receive audio and video data from the tuner viainput connectors 116 a, b & c and transmit audio and video signals tothe display device via output connectors 120 a & b. Audio and video fromthe tuner is generally compatible with displays of the type contemplatedherein and will typically not require any type of conditioning by theaudio and video circuits 130 and 132. However, the audio and/or videosignals from the communication ports will typically be conditioned(e.g., amplified, filtered, balanced, impedance matched, etc.) by theaudio and/or video circuits 130 and 132 to be compatible with thedisplay and sound system.

Operation of the audio and video circuits 130 and 132 and the calldetection and management device 122 is controlled by a controller 134.Controller 134 can be any type of suitable computing device but ispreferably a microprocessor. One or more digital memory or storagedevices 136 preferably store at least one set of instructions(software/firmware) executable by the controller 134 to cause the calldetection device 122 to check for calls and transmit notificationsignals, audio and/or video communication signals, and associated data.The memory 136 can also be used to store directory listings, a speeddial list, call log information, and user preferences. Examples ofdigital memory or storage devices include magnetic hard drives, flashmemory, random access memory, and the like.

The communication interface apparatus 108 preferably also includes awireless remote interface 138 configured to receive wireless commandsignals from a handheld remote. The wireless remote interface 138includes a wireless sensor 140 (e.g., an infrared (IR) orradio-frequency (RF) sensor) for receiving (and, optionally,transmitting) wireless signals from (and to) a handheld remote. Thesensor 140 is preferably located on a side of the interface apparatusthat normally faces the user. For example, if the apparatus is containedin a box-like housing, the sensor 140 is preferably mounted on the frontface of the housing. Commands from the handheld remote are conveyed tothe controller via the wireless remote interface 138.

A microphone 142 feeds a user's voice to the communication interfaceapparatus 108. The microphone 142 can be incorporated into thecommunication interface apparatus 108 (preferably on the front of theapparatus as shown), the handheld remote, or the display. In any case,the communication interface apparatus is configured to receive the uservoice signal from the microphone 142 and to transmit an audio signalover a communication network via one of the communication ports 118 a or118 b. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that a small camera orvideo cam can be incorporated into the communication interface apparatus(preferably on the front of the apparatus), the handheld remote, or thedisplay.

In a preferred embodiment, the communication interface apparatus 108also includes a wireless network interface 144 for establishing aninternet connection. If an internet connection is provided, the memorydevice can be used to store a second set of digital instructionsexecutable by the controller to check a remote source via the internetconnection, e.g., to periodically update the software/firmware or aregional phone directory stored in memory.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method 200 of incorporating voice or videocommunications into a television or compatible audio capable visualdisplay according to an embodiment of the present invention. The methodbegins at step 202, after connecting the various components together andturning them on, whereupon a television (TV) broadcast is displayed onthe visual display 104 in step 204 via the tuner 102 and thecommunication interface apparatus 108. The communication interfaceapparatus 108 monitors the communication ports in step 206 and, if nocall is detected, the first audio and video signals from the tuner 102continue to be fed directly to the visual display 104. However, if acall is detected in step 206, the communication interface apparatus 108obtains data associated with the call, such as caller ID information,and generates a second video signal for superimposing the caller IDinformation over the TV broadcast, e.g., as shown in FIG. 1. The callerID information is displayed by the visual display 104 in step 210. Forexample, the name, phone number and characteristics of the call,including whether the call is audio only or audio and video, and whetherthe call includes attachments, can be displayed. The communicationinterface apparatus 108 can also retrieve a call menu from memory 136and transmit the information to the visual display so that the call menuis displayed with the caller ID information, thus providing the userwith all the information they need in order to decide what to do withthe call. The menu items or selections preferably include at least“Answer Call” and “Reject/Ignore/End Call.” Other selections that can beincluded in the call menu are “Send to Voice Mail (VM),” “OpenAttachment,” “Audio Only,” and “Audio/Video.” In an embodiment,illustrated in FIG. 1, the call menu is displayed on a different portionof the display from the caller ID information to avoid confusion. Ifdesired, the apparatus 108 can also be configured to generate an audionotification that is transmitted to the visual display with the secondvideo signal and used to generate an audible notification when a call isdetected in step 206.

In step 214, the apparatus 108 determines whether a menu selection wasmade. If no menu selection is made, the apparatus 108 determines at step216 whether call management rules have been established for handling anincoming call. If call management rules exist, the apparatus 108retrieves the rule in step 218 and executes the command dictated by therule in step 220. If no call management rules exist, then the controller108 checks for a time out in step 222, returning to the TV broadcast ifa time out has occurred or returning to step 214 to check for a menuselection if a time out has not occurred. The amount of time allowedbefore the process times out may be predetermined or set by the user.For example, the apparatus 108 may be configured to time out after sixrings.

If a command is received in step 214, the apparatus 108 executes thecommand in step 220. If the command is “Answer Call,” the apparatus 108performs the process shown at 224, preferably by causing the TVbroadcast to be paused and recorded at step 226 and playing the callthrough the TV at step 228. If the system does not include a digitalvideo recorder, the apparatus 108 may be configured to continue feedingthe TV video signal while substituting the audio from the call in step230.

In step 232, the apparatus 108 determines whether the user hasterminated or ended the call. If the call has not been terminated, theTV broadcast continues to be paused in step 226 or the audio substitutedin step 230. If the apparatus 108 determines that the user hasterminated the call, the method returns to step 204 so that the audioand video signals of the TV broadcast are once again fed to the visualdisplay and sound system.

Referring again to step 220, if the apparatus 108 receives the “Send toVoice Mail” command, the call is directed to the voice mail box in step234 and the process returns to the TV broadcast at step 204. Similarly,if the “Open Attachment” command is received by the apparatus 108 instep 220, any file attached to the communication is opened and displayedon the visual display 104 in step 236. The apparatus 108 checks for atime out in step 222 and continues to display the attachment if theprocess has not timed out, or it resumes displaying the TV broadcast ifa time out has occurred.

If, at any time, a command is received to terminate the call (e.g., the“Ignore/End” command), as shown in step 238, the apparatus 108terminates any open connection with a communication network and resumestransmitting the audio and video signals from the tuner 102 to thevisual display 104 and audio system 106 as shown in step 204

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 300 of initiating voice or videocommunications or other actions via a television or compatible audiocapable visual display according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. The method begins at step 302, after connecting the variouscomponents together and turning them on, whereupon a television (TV)broadcast is displayed on the visual display 104 via the tuner 102 andthe communication interface apparatus 108. The communication interfaceapparatus 108 monitors the wireless remote interface in step 304 and, ifno wireless command from the remote is detected, the first audio andvideo signals from the tuner 102 continue to be fed directly to thevisual display 104. However, if a wireless command from the remote isdetected in step 304, the communication interface apparatus 108 takescertain actions to execute the command, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4.

If the communication interface apparatus 108 detects a wireless commandto “Make Call,” the apparatus 108 performs the process shown at 306,preferably by causing the TV broadcast to be paused and recorded at step308 and making a connection with a communication network so that a dialtone is heard through the audio system at step 310. If the system doesnot include a digital video recorder, the apparatus 108 may beconfigured to continue feeding the TV video signal while substitutingthe dial tone for the TV audio in step 312.

The apparatus 108 then determines, in step 314, if a number has beenentered on the remote and wirelessly transmitted to the apparatus. Ifthe apparatus 108 determines that no number has been entered, it checksfor a time out in step 316 and either returns to the TV broadcast if atime out has occurred, or continues to wait for a number to be entereduntil such time as a time out occurs. If, on the other hand, theapparatus 108 determines in step 314 that a number has been entered onthe remote, the apparatus checks in step 318 to see if the number is onthe speed dial list stored in memory and if the key corresponding to thenumber is held for greater than a predetermined period of time. If bothconditions are met, the apparatus 108 retrieves the telephone numbercorresponding to the speed dial number in step 320 and dials thetelephone number in step 322. If one or more of the conditions is notmet, the apparatus 108 determines in step 324 whether the number wasfollowed by a send command. If the number is not followed by a sendcommand, the apparatus 108 returns to step 314 to receive anothernumber. When a send command is detected, the apparatus 108 dials in step322 all of the numbers entered before the send command. When the call iscompleted, the user enters the end command and the apparatus 108 returnsto step 302 in which the normal TV broadcast is displayed.

FIG. 4 shows several other commands that can be initiated from thewireless remote 110. In an embodiment, the user can cause a menu ofvarious system options to be displayed by entering a “Menu” command instep 326. Examples of system options that can be included on the menuinclude, without limitation, a setup option, a display option, aconfigure voice mail (VMail) option, and a call managementadministration option. The call management option may include submenusallowing the user to define rules for handling unanswered calls, such asignoring calls that block caller ID. Similarly, the setup option mayinclude submenus allowing the user to select various modes of operation,such as whether the entire TV broadcast should be paused when making orreceiving a call or whether the video of the TV broadcast shouldcontinue to be displayed while the communication audio is substitutedfor the TV broadcast audio. Examples of display options include, but arenot limited to, showing call information in a screen within screen or assuperimposed text, font size or location. The VMail option may allow auser to record an away message, set passwords, delete all messages, andperform other administrative tasks relating to voice mail.

Some of the other commands that can be initiated include, but are notlimited to, displaying a user-defined contact list (step 328),displaying a third party regional phone directory (containingresidential and/or commercial phone numbers)(step 330), and displaying aphone log (step 332).

From the above, it will be appreciated that the present invention allowsvoice or video communication to be incorporated into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signalthrough a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice orvideo communication network and switching between a call and at leastthe audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected andthe user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menusuperimposed on the video portion of the television signal. Thecommunication interface apparatus includes a controller that isconfigured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well asmaking calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phonedirectory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

The distinct advantage of this invention is the ability to incorporatethe function of answering an incoming voice and/or video communicationand the ability to initiate outbound voice and/or video communicationsutilizing an interface through a television set or similar audio enabledvisual display device. The functions can be built into existingdisplays, set-top-boxes (“STB”) or provided through independentappliances. This invention allows the utilization of a remote withmultifunction capabilities, or on-screen selections, to initiate callreceipt or to terminate incoming communications.

As an example, a user is sitting on a couch watching a TV program suchas the evening news and an incoming communication takes place. Theinvention can immediately show the caller ID (name and number) on thedisplay being utilized as well as indicators of other characteristics ofthe communication; these indicators could be; communication has video,communication has attachments, etc; utilizing a remote the user cananswer, reject, or handle the incoming communication in anotherpredefined way. In the case the communication is answered, an “Answer”button is selected on the remote, or a selection is made from choices onscreen, and the TV audio and/or picture is replaced with the incomingcommunications. Using the speakers on the TV and an installedmicrophone, a speaker-phone or video/speaker-phone is created by which atwo way communication can be held. In the case of a video communication,the recipient has the option of showing the accompanying communicationvideo stream, either as a PIP (picture-in-picture) or full screen. Thisfeature can be enabled by selecting an appropriate on screen indicatoror by a preprogrammed remote button. When the telephone conversationends and the “End Call” button or onscreen selection is chosen, thecommunication is terminated and the news program audio and/or videoresumes.

There are many additional variables that are possible in the process ofusing this invention, such as sending the incoming communication tovoicemail, filtering unknown callers so they do not interrupt TVviewing, or utilizing a digital recorder, service or device, to pausethe live TV program while the communication is received. Furthermore,utilizing an onscreen interface, one can build, form, or accessdirectories, speed-dial lists, history of calls, as well as set callingrules. The user can also utilize the interface to playback recordedaudio and/or video messages or retrieve communication's characteristicsor attachments right from the TV or display screen being utilized.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, itwill be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication interface apparatus comprising:at least one television input for receiving a television signal from atelevision tuner; at least one communication input for receiving aseparate communication signal from a communication network; at least oneoutput for transmitting an output signal from said communicationinterface apparatus; a controller coupled with said television input,said communication input, said output, and a non-transitory machinereadable medium having encoded thereon a set of instructions executableby the controller to perform one or more operations, the set ofinstructions comprising instructions to: monitor the communication inputto detect a communication signal and associated data; upon detection ofa communication signal, combine the data associated with thecommunication signal with the television signal to produce anotification signal superimposing the associated data over thetelevision signal; transmit the notification signal to the output; andupon detection of a user input command to answer a communication signalcomprising a telephone call, record the television signal on a digitalvideo recorder in communication with the output and broadcast the audioportion of the communication signal from a display in communication withthe output.
 2. The communication interface apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a user input and wherein the instructions executable by saidcontroller further comprise instructions to cause the controller toreceive and execute user input commands.
 3. The communication interfaceapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an internet connection coupledwith the controller.
 4. The communication interface apparatus of claim3, wherein the instructions executable by said controller furthercomprise instructions to check a remote source through the internetconnection.
 5. The communication interface apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe non-transitory machine readable medium contains a regional phonedirectory and the instructions executable by said controller furthercomprise instructions to periodically update said regional phonedirectory.
 6. The communication interface apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe instructions executable by said controller further compriseinstructions to filter calls originating from unknown phone numbers sothat a notification is not generated when the communication interfaceapparatus detects a call from an unknown phone number.
 7. Thecommunication interface apparatus of claim 1, wherein the associateddata includes at least one of caller ID data and call characteristics.8. The communication interface apparatus of claim 2, wherein theinstructions executable by said controller further comprise instructionsto display a call menu on a display and, when the call notification isgenerated, the controller superimposes said call menu over thetelevision signal.
 9. The communication interface apparatus of claim 8,wherein the call menu provides users with options to answer a call,reject a call, or send a call to voice mail.
 10. The communicationinterface apparatus of claim 9, wherein the call menu further providesusers with options to select audio only or audio and video in the caseof a video communication.
 11. A method for incorporating voice or videocommunications into a television signal comprising: receiving atelevision signal at a communications interface apparatus; receiving acommunication signal at the communications interface apparatus;detecting the communications signal at the communications interfaceapparatus, upon detection of the communication signal, combining dataassociated with the communication signal with the television signal toproduce a notification signal superimposed over the television signal;displaying the content of the notification signal on a display incommunication with the communications interface apparatus; and upondetection of a user input command to answer a communication signalcomprising a telephone call, record the television signal on a digitalvideo recorder in communication with the communications interfaceapparatus and broadcast the audio portion of the communication signalfrom the display.
 12. The method of claim 11 further comprisingdisplaying a call menu having user input options on the display.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising receiving user input in responseto the display of the call menu.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein theuser input further comprises a user command to open an attachment to thecommunication signal.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprisingdisplaying the content of the attachment on the display.
 16. The methodof claim 12 further comprising processing the communication signal inaccordance with call management rules if no user input is receivedthrough user interaction with the call menu.
 17. A system forincorporating voice or video communication into a television orcompatible audio capable visual display comprising: a television tuner;a communication interface apparatus comprising; at least one televisioninput for receiving a television signal from the television tuner; atleast one communication input for receiving a separate communicationsignal from a communication network; at least one output fortransmitting an output signal from said communication interfaceapparatus; an input port configured to receive a user input; a displayin communication with the communication interface output; an inputdevice in communication with the communication interface user input; acontroller coupled with said television input, said communication input,said output; and a non-transitory machine readable medium having encodedthereon a set of instructions executable by the controller to performone or more operations, the set of instructions comprising instructionsto: monitor the communication input to detect a communication signal andassociated data; upon detection of a communication signal, combine thedata associated with the communication signal with the television signalto produce a notification signal superimposing the associated data overthe television signal; transmit the notification signal to the output;and upon detection of a user input command to answer a communicationsignal comprising a telephone call, record the television signal on adigital video recorder in communication with the communicationsinterface apparatus and broadcast the audio portion of the communicationsignal from the display; and an input device in communication with thecommunication interface user input.
 18. The system of claim 17 whereinthe input device comprises a wireless remote control.
 19. The system ofclaim 18 wherein the wireless remote control comprises a microphone. 20.The system of claim 17, wherein the communication interface apparatusfurther comprises an internet connection coupled with the controller andthe memory device.